-
Share
First-of-its-kind UK Methane Study Completed by Neptune Energy and EDF
The partnership used drones to measure methane on Neptune Energy’s offshore gas platform to investigate ways to reduce harmful emissions.
Neptune Energy has collaborated with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to measure methane emissions on a UK offshore gas platform for the first time.
Methane sensing equipment was attached to fixed wing and rotary drones, which were flown over the site to study the Cygnus gas production facility in the North Sea seeking to assess advanced methods for identifying and quantifying methane emission levels on offshore platforms.
A key objective was the creation of an “accurate, scientific benchmark” for measuring methane emissions on offshore platforms in the future, with a view to develop “best-practice approaches for the wider upstream industry”.
Neptune Energy said the results of the study will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed paper in 2022.
Methane is currently the primary component of natural gas, a potent greenhouse gas, and a key topic of discussion at the COP26 event in Glasgow this week. Increasing focus is being put on how the oil and gas industry can use current technologies to reduce greenhouse gases.
Commenting on the research, Neptune Energy’s VP Operations Europe, Pete Jones, said: “The abatement of methane emissions will be crucial in meeting the Paris Agreement goals and given the short lifespan of methane emissions, we know that taking meaningful action today can bring positive results in as little as nine years.
“Neptune already has one of the lowest methane intensities in the sector, at 0.01%, compared with the industry average of 0.23%, and has set a target of net zero methane emissions by 2030.
“Proactive action by the UK offshore industry including the reduction of flaring and venting contributed towards a 11% fall in upstream GHG emissions between 2018 and 2020. By using advanced, existing technologies and novel approaches such as those employed in this latest study, the UK sector can continue to lead the way in driving down methane emissions from oil and gas operations.”
Recommended
- Comment | “Why I never want to build another MVP”
- New funding approved for Made Smarter Innovation Programme
- Regulation proposals would boost drone usage and UK aviation sector
The five-day study, coordinated by scientists at EDF, involved a team from UK-based drone platform provider, Texo DSI, operating a rotary drone provided by Scientific Aviation.
Equipped with sensing technology, the drone measured emissions at multiple locations around the platform.
Mark Brownstein, EDF’s Senior Vice President for Energy, said. “Data transparency is paramount. Oil and gas companies have made commitments to tackle emissions, but you can’t just assert strong environmental performance. You must show it.
“Having credible data is the first step and we recognise Neptune Energy for valuing emissions reporting that is based on rigorous science.”
Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox
Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.
We will keep you up to date on the pivotal issues impacting the sector and let you know about key upcoming events to ensure that you don’t miss out on what’s going on across the Scottish tech community.
Click here to subscribe.
